The best hamster cages of 2025, tested and reviewed

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Oh, hamsters. These little pets are as cute as they are fluffy, but they also have very specific needs when it comes to their cage. From finding an appropriately sized enclosure to ensuring its design prioritizes hamster safety, choosing one of the best hamster cages for your beloved pet is quite the task. For instance, a suitable cage for a dwarf hamster may not be appropriate for a large Syrian hamster.

As a guinea pig parent and former hamster and hedgehog owner, I know how important a quality cage is to a small pet's health and well-being. I researched dozens of hamster cages for this guide and spoke with veterinarians about hamsters' health and safety needs and the types of habitats they recommend. After testing seven cages, my top pick is the Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Hamster Home. It checks all the boxes for a hamster-friendly design and is easy to maintain. If you're shopping for an extra-large cage or a habitat for a dwarf or Syrian hamster, we've got recommendations for those, too.

Our top picks for the best hamster cages

Best overall: Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Hamster Home - See at Chewy

Best large cage: Frisco Oasis Small Pet Habitat - See at Chewy

Best for dwarf hamsters: Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage - See at Chewy

Best for Syrian hamsters: Prevue Pet Products Ranch Pet House - See at Chewy

Best overall

With its hamster-friendly design, durable materials, and ease of cleaning, the Prevue Pet Products Deluxe Hamster Home is our top pick for the best hamster cages. It's a simple enclosure with plenty of space for your hammy to be comfortable. Equally important is its ⅜-inch wire spacing to prevent escape or injury. The veterinarians I interviewed recommend wires spaced no greater than ⅜ inch for larger hamsters and tighter ¼-inch spacing for small breeds like dwarf hamsters.

A key feature of this hamster cage is its 6.25-inch deep plastic tub base, which gives your hamster plenty of room to burrow in its bedding. Dr. Amanda Steinagel, a veterinarian and clinical assistant professor specializing in exotics at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends offering bedding to provide space for digging and burrowing, behaviors that are extremely important to a hamster's psychological well-being.

The cage also comes with a solid plastic ramp leading to a platform. Dr. Lorraine Corriveau, a veterinarian and small animal primary care clinician at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Hospital, recommends hamsters have a cage with multiple levels and a solid ramp to get to each level. Ramps and platforms offer two main benefits to hamsters: additional space and privacy. The extra space is ideal for enrichment activities like exercise, burrowing, and exploration. Corriveau also says that, since hamsters are a prey species, it is important that they have a place to hide. The spaces between the ramp and platform are ideal hiding spots.

Assembly was made easy with simple-to-install clips to hold pieces together. When it came to cleaning the cage, I was grateful that the wire top was easy to detach from the plastic bottom. Because of the cage's collapsible design, I could dump the bedding from the tub into a trash bag, a much easier task than scooping out dirty bedding. One downside I found was the cage locks and enclosure doors were a bit stiff, which could make opening the cage to access your hamster a bit difficult.

Best large cage

If you're looking for a cage to maximize your hamster's space, look no further than the Frisco Oasis Small Pet Habitat among the best hamster cages. This expansive enclosure is solidly constructed with a flat plastic bottom and clear acrylic sides framed by sturdy manufactured wood wrapped in wood-look melamine paper. The ventilation holes on the top and sides allow plenty of fresh air to circulate through the enclosure.

The cage's biggest perk for people may be its attractive design, which easily blends into your home decor while still displaying your furry friend and their habitat. Of course, its sheer size provides plenty of room for enrichment activities. Corriveau recommends outfitting it with enriching accessories like paper towel or toilet paper tubes, empty tissue boxes, Oxbow chew toys, or an exercise wheel.

The downside of having such a large enclosure is that it's cumbersome to build, move, and clean. Make sure that you have access to a drill and a generous buddy to build this enclosure. After a few attempts with a screwdriver, I decided to save some time and use a drill to drive in the screws. I also had to ask my partner for assistance due to the size and heft of the materials. Although the cage has wheels for maneuverability, it was still heavy to push and pull around the room.

Cleaning was equally difficult. Unlike other cages, where I simply dumped the bedding into a garbage bag, I had to stoop over the enclosure to scoop out the bedding and scrub the interior — this could be a dealbreaker for people with back pain, limited mobility, or simply a lack of time. If you have the space for it, though, your hamster will be spoiled in this enclosure.

Best for dwarf hamsters

Dwarf hamsters, as their name suggests, are smaller than other breeds of hamsters. Because of this, they have different needs in a cage. They can also live in a smaller cage than other breeds, like Syrian hamsters. The Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage is our pick for dwarf hamsters, with multiple levels that offer plenty of room for burrowing and exploration. Plus, it comes with accessories like a food dish and wheel and is easy on the wallet — a major perk for you, too.

While tight bar spacing is important for any hamster, it is especially important for the smaller dwarf hamster. This cage has ¼-inch spacing between bars. As a bonus, it was the easiest to clean of all the cages I tested. Corriveau and Steinagel recommend thoroughly cleaning all parts of your hamster's cage at least once a week, including tubes, furniture, and accessories. Thanks to its collapsibility and ability to remove individual pieces, I could easily submerge the cage in my kitchen sink. After soaking it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, I scrubbed the parts and all of its accessories.

While this cage is suitable for dwarf hamsters, it's not suitable for larger hamsters since it is on the smaller side. Additionally, the included water bottle is much too small, so plan on getting your hamster a different one. Because hamsters should have access to fresh water at all times, look for a bottle that's large enough to keep your pet hydrated for a couple of days.

Best for Syrian hamsters

Syrian hamsters are generally bigger than other breeds of hamsters, growing up to double the size of 2- to 4-inch-long dwarf hamsters. With their larger size comes different needs, including extra room to roam, play, and burrow. Their size also means you can use cages with bar spacing up to ⅜ of an inch.

Like our best overall pick from Prevue Pet Products, the Ranch is made from durable metal wires spaced ⅜ of an inch and lightweight, sturdy plastic that is easy to assemble and move. It has two platforms to give Syrian hamsters extra privacy options, and the spaces underneath make up almost half of the cage.

The cage is collapsible and the interior parts are simple to detach, so it was easy to soak and scrub during cleaning sessions. It also comes with optional cage stabilizers, which are plastic pieces that snap into the corners to keep all parts of the cage in place. I recommend using these stabilizers, as the cage connections felt unstable without them.

What to look for in a hamster cage

Finding the right hamster cage for your furry friend can be tricky. Your first priority is to find one with plenty of room and appropriate bar spacing. Many cages marketed for hamsters are much too small, but larger cages for rabbits or guinea pigs typically have wider bar spacing that provides an easy escape route for your hamster. Below, I've outlined what veterinarians recommend looking for in a hamster cage.

Size: Size is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a hamster cage. Many cages are much too small to create a safe home for your hamster. Steinagel recommends buying the largest cage you can find.

Materials: Corriveau says a cage should have a smooth, strong plastic bottom and thick wire bars on the sides. You'll want to avoid any material a hamster can easily chew through, like wood. Generally, you should avoid solid plastic or aquarium-style cages that lack ventilation. Limited airflow can lead to moisture and waste build-up, which could make your hamster sick with respiratory issues.

Durability: Hamsters are natural chewers, so be sure to consider a cage's durability. The best hamster cages can withstand scratches, bites, and regular cleaning. Generally, you should avoid soft plastics and thin, weak wire.

Safety: Make sure there are no places in the cage where your hamster could become trapped. Bar spacing is the most important aspect of cage safety. You'll want to ensure that the wire spacing is between ¼ inch for small breeds like dwarf hamsters and ⅜ inch for large breeds like Syrian hamsters to prevent escape or injury. Even though it might seem impossible to us, hamsters can easily squeeze through even the smallest gaps. If a hamster is able to get one part of their body through the bars, they are likely to become stuck, which can cause serious bodily injury.

Hamster friendliness: A hamster-friendly cage will have plenty of room for accessories — such as smooth-sided wheels, enclosures for privacy, and ventilated tubes — and enrichment activities like exercise and exploration. Your hamster should have plenty of room to burrow, sleep, and play. Steinagel recommends constructing a maze from cardboard or PVC tubes to keep your hamster stimulated. Corriveau likes cages with at least two levels connected by a sturdy, solid plastic ramp.

Ease of cleaning: All parts of a hamster cage should be thoroughly scrubbed at least once a week using warm, soapy water. Given the amount of time you'll spend washing the enclosure, ease of cleaning is an important factor in choosing a cage. Collapsible cages — like our picks for best overall, best for dwarf hamsters, and best for Syrian hamsters — are generally easier to clean than one-piece cages. Be sure to consider how the size of the cage will impact cleaning, too, and whether you'll be able to dump or scoop out dirty bedding each week.

Ease of assembly: Hamster cages can be difficult to assemble. It can take anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes to build your hamster's new home. Some cages also require additional tools like a drill or a screwdriver and two sets of hands. If you want to set up a cage fast, look for cages with interlocking pieces and locks.

How we tested the best hamster cages

I researched the most popular enclosures available at major online retailers to find the best hamster cages. After narrowing my list down to seven cages, I put each one through a rigorous testing process. Here's how I evaluated the cages in this guide.

Ease of assembly: I timed the assembly process from unboxing to completion. During assembly, I noted difficulties putting the cage together, including broken pieces, heavy materials, and stiff hardware. I also considered the accuracy and helpfulness of the included instructions.

Size: After assembly, I carefully measured the cage's height, length, and width to ensure it aligned with product specifications found online. Additionally, I measured each cage's bar spacing. I also considered the size of all accessories included with the cage to ensure each piece of the habitat meets a hamster's needs.

Materials and durability: To test material quality and durability, I scratched each cage material with a metal fork 20 times to replicate the scratches or bites of a hamster. I then looked for any chipping, visible scratches, or damage. I also repeatedly opened and closed the cage doors to test hardware durability.

Safety: After assembly, I thoroughly reviewed each cage for safety concerns, including tight gaps, large bar spacing, or uneven surfaces.

Ease of cleaning: To test cleaning, I placed dirty CareFresh paper bedding from my guinea pig's enclosure and left it in the cage for one week. Then, I removed the bedding and thoroughly scrubbed each section of the cage with warm water and mild dish soap. I considered whether I could dump the bedding into a trash bag or if I had to scoop it out. I also noted whether waste soaked into the cage's materials or if it could be scrubbed away.

Hamster cage FAQs

What type of cage is best for hamsters?

The veterinarians I consulted say the best hamster cages have plastic bottoms and open, wire sides. This ensures the cage doesn't trap moisture and waste inside. The cage should be as large as possible, with bar spacing that measures between ¼ to ⅜ inches, depending on the size of your hamster.

Is a glass or wire hamster cage better?

A wire hamster cage is a better choice than a glass hamster cage. While glass cages are sold at various retailers, Steinagel recommends avoiding aquarium-style enclosures because they have poor ventilation. Corriveau says glass aquariums retain ammonia and moisture from urine because of their lack of ventilation and are also difficult to clean due to their size. While our pick for the best large hamster cage is made of solid acrylic, it includes necessary ventilation openings. On the other hand, wire hamster cages offer plenty of ventilation — just be sure that the wire is thick and sturdy and wire spacing is small enough to prevent your hamster from escaping. Small breeds like dwarf hamsters require bar spacing of about ¼ inch, and large breeds like Syrian hamsters can safely live in cages with ⅜-inch bar spacing.

How large should a hamster cage be?

Steinagel recommends buying the largest commercially available hamster cage. The size of your cage also depends on the size of your hamster. A dwarf hamster, for example, can be comfortable in a smaller cage, while a Syrian hamster needs more room to roam.

What accessories should I put in my hamster's cage?

You should provide opportunities for enrichment in your hamster's cage, including accessories like smooth-sided wheels, tubes, and chew toys. Steinagel says to avoid toys made of wire or soft plastics to limit possible injury. Hamsters are notorious chewers, so accessories made with wire or soft plastics can be ingested or chewed into pieces with dangerous sharp edges.

What is the best type of bedding to use in a hamster cage?

Corriveau and Steinagel recommend soft, shredded paper bedding like CareFresh. Paper bedding will keep your hamster comfortable, safe, and healthy. Be sure to avoid cedar shavings and corncob bedding. Cedar shavings contain toxic chemicals that can cause irritation, while corncob bedding can cause blockages if ingested.